#RemoteFirst: Time to stop the trash talk.

There's a lot of trash talk about remote work going around.

Not surprising. It’s predicted and predictable .

What’s not as predictable - the number of well-meaning people who are falling for it.

This is not about the majority of professionals being forced to work from home forever.

It's about whether enterprises can create the conditions where those for whom remote work makes sense can fully unleash their talents, creativity and productivity.

The stakes are immense.

It is not just the shape of the workplace. It's the nature of the economy itself.

It's not just about the physical mobility of remote workers. It's about the spiritual mobility of office-based workers. It's about being able to take the job in Hochheim, Germany or Peoria, Illinois knowing you won't necessarily be stuck there forever if things go badly.

#RemoteFirst means unprecedented opportunity for experienced workers, working parents and people whose caring responsibilities constrain their prospects in office-based companies. #RemoteFirst also offers a chance to maximize the value of “tribal people” - people who have the ability to connect and engage large and diverse communities of people on a global basis.

But it also means unprecedented accountability for companies that choose to remain substantially office-based.

They will face real pressure to deliver a mutually beneficial employee experience and mutually sustainable flexibility around working arrangements.

Both #remotefirst and office-based companies can thrive and win in the next economy. Employees have different personalities, and industries have different dynamics. Let’s not close doors before they open.

I admit I have a dog in this fight.?I live in a country in the middle of the Atlantic that has 370,000 people and speaks great English . I have worked remotely as a consultant to large companies and projects in the US and Europe. I want to see a better market for my services.?

And I know there are others like me who would thrive by working in or for #RemoteFirst companies.

This fight is personal. Whether you want to stay remote or return to the office, it's personal for you too.

We haven't really tried developing #remotefirst companies as a real alternative to office-based companies. We haven’t seen them really compete yet either.

Time to stop the trash talk.

Let the competition begin. And let us both win.

About Mike Klein

Mike Klein is Principal of Reykjavik-based consultancy Changing The Terms , which focuses on internal, political and social communication. An MBA graduate of London Business School, Mike has been working with multinationals like Shell, Cargill, Barclays, Avery Dennison and easyJet, along with political organizations and public authorities in the US and Europe.

Mike is also the founder of #WeLeadComms and is Senior Advisor to Smarp Strategic Services , Currently, Mike is conducting research into communication practices that are being used successfully by remote organizations.